Celebrity Chef and MasterChef Judge Jock Zonfrillo Dies at 46

Seema Rai
Seema Rai

The future of MasterChef is uncertain as Jock Zonfrillo’s loved ones cope with his passing. Jock Zonfrillo, a well-known chef and MasterChef Australia judge has died. The 46-year-old passed away just before Monday night’s season 15 premiere of MasterChef Australia. His family verified the news of his passing by posting a message on social media. Fans were grieving the loss of Zonfrillo, and many paid moving condolences in response to the news of his passing.

Masterchef Australia Jock Zonfrillo

Popular chef Jock Zonfrillo served as a MasterChef judge. He operated a well-liked eatery in Orana. His eatery was in South Australia until the business was shut down in 2020. The Scottish Chef lived in Australia. And survived by Lauren Fried, his third wife. And their two youngest daughters, Ava and Sophia, from a previous marriage. Alfie and Isla were also born to him via his previous union with Fried.

MasterChef Australia judge

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Death of Jock Zonfrillo: Family and Friends were devastated

According to police, there is no cause for suspicion regarding his death. His sole surviving family members are his wife, Lauren Fried, and their four children. Zonfrillo’s unexpected death was revealed by his family in a statement.

Jock Zonfrillo death

Australians were familiar with Jock as a MasterChef judge, best-selling author, philanthropist, and chef. Jock was born in Glasgow to Italian and Scottish parents. One of the culinary learners to complete an apprenticeship at Scotland’s renowned Turnberry Hotel was Zonfrillo, who was 15 years old at the time. 

Chef dies Jock Zonfrillo

He began working with Marco Pierre White when he was 17 years old. The Scottish host made his MasterChef debut in 2019, co-hosting the competition with chef Melissa Leong and former contestant Andy Allen.

In 2021, he released a book titled Last Shot that detailed his time as a heroin user and chef in London before moving to Australia in 2000.   Former MasterChef competitors and other restaurateurs have expressed shock over Zonfrillo’s untimely passing.

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